Water Heater Pilot Blows Out

[Isaacs]

Every now and then the wind blows out the pilot light on my Atwood G6A-7 water heater. It doesn't have to be a particularly strong wind; I guess it has to come from just the right direction. Of course, it always happens in the late afternoon and isn't noticed 'till it's time for a cold shower in the morning!

Has anyone had any luck with making some sort of baffle on either the inside or outside to stop this from happening? Any other ideas?

Thanks, Bob

[RogerR]

I have never had the problem with the same model nor read about it. What you could have is a low pressure to the pilot. Crud in the pilot that blocks it from working correctly or a flame sensor bent a tiny bit out from the flame are the most likely culprits.

Using a brass brush clean the pilot as best you can. They blow out any spiders or other crud with compressed air or computer blast.

If that doesn't fix it try to find someone with an identical furnace that works and compare the flame size, sensor location, etc. and see if you can match it up.

If you flame is too lazy after cleaning you may have pinched pipe or a bad regulator ( they go bad a lot!).

[MontanaRick]

I have a bug screen over mine, that might give you more wind protection. Never had mine blow out (even before the screen).

[us71na]

What color is the flame on the pilot light.

You might want to read this link regarding that type of water heater. http://www.fixya.com/support/t153575...r_heater_pilot

[Isaacs]

Originally Posted by us71na

What color is the flame on the pilot light.

You might want to read this link regarding that type of water heater. https://www.fixya.com/support/t15357...r_heater_pilot

It's nice and blue. In fact, it's difficult to see on a bright day.

But it's small. I don't think it's dirt/bugs, it's always been like this. I'm going to see if perhaps there's an adjustment to perk it up a bit.

[RogerR]

How are your stove flames? Small also, then could be the regulator. How is the flame when it turns full on?

If you find a fine brass brush try cleaning out the flame tube. Then blow it out with compressor air or canned air. Stick the little plastic tube well up into the cool pipe.


Could also be a bad or slightly small pilot light hole or the burner assembly is just not made right.

[Kim Gass]

We carry canned air. It happens now and then.. Especially in dusty areas or windy areas. The canned air always fixes things.

[Isaacs]

Originally Posted by RogerR

How are your stove flames? Small also, then could be the regulator. How is the flame when it turns full on?

If you find a fine brass brush try cleaning out the flame tube. Then blow it out with compressor air or canned air. Stick the little plastic tube well up into the cool pipe.


Could also be a bad or slightly small pilot light hole or the burner assembly is just not made right.

Main burner, fridge, stove, and furnace all work fine. I'll try the cleaning thing and perhaps use a torch tip cleaner on it.

[RedHorse1]

If you don’t have screens over the vent insects may have built nests in the burner tube which impedes the air flow but usually shows up as soot around the WH and on the sides of your TT.